Application
This unit of competency covers the ability to analyse samples using routine spectrometric techniques. The unit also includes establishing client needs for routine and non-routine samples, optimising workplace procedures and instruments for specific samples, obtaining valid and reliable data and reporting test results. Personnel are required to recognise atypical test data/results and troubleshoot common analytical procedure and equipment problems.
This unit of competency is applicable to technical officers working in all industry sectors, government agencies and research laboratories. All operations and analytical methods must comply with relevant standards, appropriate procedures and/or workplace requirements. Although a supervisor may not always be present, the technician will follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) that clearly describe the scope of permitted practice, including varying workplace/test procedures and communicating results to people outside the laboratory.
While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, laboratory operations are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. | ||
1 | Establish client needs and schedule analysis | 1.1 | Liaise with client or sample provider to determine client needs and sample history |
1.2 | Record sample description, compare with specification and record and report discrepancies | ||
1.3 | Identify non-routine samples and the possible need to vary workplace procedures | ||
1.4 | Seek advice from supervisor about any proposed variations and document all approved changes | ||
1.5 | Schedule analysis using workplace procedures | ||
2 | Prepare samples and standards | 2.1 | Obtain a representative analytical portion of the laboratory sample |
2.2 | Prepare sample in accordance with testing requirements | ||
2.3 | Prepare validation checks for analytical portion | ||
3 | Set up and optimise instrument | 3.1 | Perform pre-use and safety checks in accordance with workplace procedures |
3.2 | Start up and condition the instrument using workplace procedures | ||
3.3 | Optimise instrumental parameters to suit sample and test requirements | ||
3.4 | Check calibration status of instrument and perform calibration using specified standards and procedures, as required | ||
4 | Perform analysis | 4.1 | Measure analyte response for standards, validation checks and samples |
4.2 | Conduct sufficient measurements to obtain reliable data | ||
4.3 | Return instruments to standby or shutdown condition as required | ||
5 | Process and analyse data | 5.1 | Confirm data is the result of valid measurements |
5.2 | Perform required calculations and ensure results are consistent with standards or estimations and expectations | ||
5.3 | Record results with the appropriate accuracy, precision, uncertainty and units | ||
5.4 | Analyse trends in data and/or results and report out-of-specification or atypical results promptly to appropriate personnel | ||
5.5 | Troubleshoot analytical procedure or equipment problems which have led to atypical data or results | ||
6 | Maintain a safe work environment | 6.1 | Identify risks, hazards, safety equipment and control measures associated with sample handling, preparation and analytical method |
6.2 | Use personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety procedures specified for test method and materials to be tested | ||
6.3 | Minimise the generation of waste and environmental impacts | ||
6.4 | Ensure the safe disposal of laboratory waste | ||
6.5 | Clean, care for and store equipment and consumables in accordance with workplace procedures | ||
7 | Maintain laboratory records | 7.1 | Enter approved data and results into laboratory information management system (LIMS) |
7.2 | Maintain equipment logs in accordance with workplace procedures | ||
7.3 | Maintain security, integrity and traceability of samples and documentation | ||
7.4 | Communicate results to appropriate personnel | ||
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:
accurately interpreting client requests, test methods/procedures
applying routine spectrometric techniques on least three (3) occasions to obtain valid and reliable data
establishing client needs for routine and non-routine samples
preparing samples using at least three (3) different processes
preparing standards
safely setting up, operating and shutting down equipment
checking calibration and qualification status of equipment
choosing and optimising procedures and equipment settings to suit sample and test requirements, such as selection of wavelength maxima and position of burner
making approved adjustments to procedures for non-routine samples
interpreting data, recognising atypical test data and results and making relevant conclusions
troubleshooting common analytical procedure and equipment problems
preparing and using calibration charts and standards
identifying and calculating potential sources of uncertainty
calculating results using appropriate equations, units, uncertainties and precision
recording and reporting data and results in accordance with workplace procedures
maintaining security, integrity and traceability of samples and documentation
following workplace safety procedures.
Evidence of Knowledge
Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:
relationship of chemical structure to electromagnetic radiation absorption, spectrometric principles and concepts related to instrumentation operation and testing
use of different spectrometric methods for qualitative and quantitative analysis and preparation of specific samples relevant to job role
handling of unstable or hazardous chemicals and samples and the fragile and labile nature of biological materials
sample preparation procedures
function of key components of the equipment and effects on spectra of modifying and optimising instrumental variables, such as wavelength, slit width, burner position and lamp voltage
basic procedure and equipment troubleshooting techniques
common analytical procedure and equipment problems, such as:
dirty or contaminated sample cells
inappropriate selection of wavelength
problems with interfering or complexing substances
incomplete atomisation of analyte
poor resolution of peaks
poor sensitivity
need to dilute samples
calculation steps to give results in appropriate accuracy, precision, uncertainty and units
workplace and legal traceability requirements
basic equipment maintenance procedures
relevant hazards, work health and safety (WHS) and environment requirements.
Assessment Conditions
Judgment of competence must be based on holistic assessment of the evidence. Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time, rather than a single assessment event.
This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment. A simulated workplace environment must reflect realistic operational workplace conditions that cover all aspects of workplace performance, including the environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.
Foundation skills are integral to competent performance of the unit and should not be assessed separately.
Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.
Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence or through an independent process, such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews (provided a record is kept in each case).
This unit of competency may be assessed with:
MSL925001 Analyse data and report results
Holistic assessment methods include:
review of test data and results obtained by the candidate over time to ensure accuracy, consistency and timeliness of results
inspection of test records and workplace documentation completed by the candidate
feedback from peers and supervisors
observation of the candidate applying a range of routine spectrometric techniques
oral or written questioning of chemical principles and concepts, spectrometric techniques and workplace procedures.
Access is required to instruments, equipment, materials, workplace documentation, procedures and specifications associated with this unit, including, but not limited to:
a standard laboratory equipped with appropriate spectrometers, laboratory reagents and equipment, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and test methods.
Assessors must satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment as set by the VET regulator.
The assessor must demonstrate both technical competence and currency.
Technical competence can be demonstrated through:
relevant VET or other qualification/Statement of Attainment AND/OR
relevant workplace experience.
Currency can be demonstrated through:
performing the competency being assessed as part of current employment OR
having consulted with a laboratory about performing the competency being assessed within the last twelve months.
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance.
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
This field allows for different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included. | |
Standards, codes, procedures and/or workplace requirements | Standards, codes, procedures and/or workplace requirements include the latest version of one or more of: Australian and international standards covering the requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, laboratory design and construction, physical containment levels and facility types, laboratory safety, and quality and environmental management national work health and safety (WHS) standards and codes of practice, and national measurement regulations and guidelines Australian and international standards and guidelines covering chemical analysis by spectrometry/spectrophotometry, accuracy of measurement methods and results, expression of uncertainty and quantifying uncertainty specific codes, guidelines, procedures and methods, such as the Australian code of good manufacturing practice for medicinal products (GMP), and principles of good laboratory practice (GLP) workplace documents, such as SOPs; quality and equipment manuals; calibration and maintenance schedules; material safety data sheets (MSDS) and safety procedures; material, production and product specifications; production and laboratory schedules; workplace recording and reporting procedures; waste minimisation and safe disposal procedures; cleaning, hygiene and personal hygiene requirements; and stock records and inventory sampling procedures (labelling, preparation, storage, transport and disposal) test procedures (validated and authorised) |
Routine spectrometric techniques | Routine spectrometric techniques include one or more of: ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS) infrared, including Fourier transform infrared and near infrared atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) fluorescence flame emission spectroscopy |
Tests | Tests include, but are not limited to, methods for one or more of: control of starting materials, in-process materials and finished products (e.g. petroleum, food, mining and manufacturing) environmental monitoring pollutants in air, water, soil and vegetation forensic tests therapeutic drug analysis diagnostic pathology tests determinations of enzyme activity routine chemical analytes, such as starch, glucose, DNA and therapeutic degradation products troubleshooting workplace processes |
Preparation of sample | Preparation of sample includes, but is not limited to one or more of: identification of hazards associated with samples and/or analytical chemicals use of processes, such as grinding, mulling, preparation of discs, ashing, dissolving, refluxing, extraction, filtration, evaporation, precipitation, centrifugation, drying and washing determination of and, if appropriate, removal of any contaminants, impurities or interfering substances |
Safe work practices | Safe work practices include, but are not limited to, one or more of: ensuring access to service shut-off points recognising and observing hazard warnings and safety signs labelling of samples, reagents, aliquoted samples and hazardous materials handling and storage of hazardous materials and equipment in accordance with labelling, MSDS and manufacturer instructions identifying and reporting operating problems or equipment malfunctions cleaning and decontaminating equipment and work areas regularly using workplace procedures using PPE, such as gloves, safety glasses, coveralls and gowns reporting abnormal emissions, discharges and airborne contaminants, such as noise, light, solids, liquids, water/wastewater, gases, smoke, vapour, fumes, odour and particulates, to appropriate personnel |
WHS and environmental management requirements | WHS and environmental management requirements include: · complying with WHS and environmental management requirements at all times, which may be imposed through state/territory or federal legislation. These requirements must not be compromised at any time · applying standard precautions relating to the potentially hazardous nature of samples accessing and applying current industry understanding of infection control issued by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and State and Territory Departments of Health, where relevant |
Sectors
Competency Field
Testing